Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Maldonado.
Mary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello, my name is Mary Maldonado.
I was born in Mexico City, and I have Oaxacan ancestry.
My parents were my grandparents, and I was adopted by them when my biological parents gave up on me. However, I wanted to experience what it was like to live with my biological parents, observing their interactions with my sister, and I wanted to feel what it was to live with my parents. In the end, it was terrible.
I didn’t come to the US for the American dream; I came seeking tranquility, away from my father’s alcoholism and domestic violence of both parents that I endured for four years.
I arrived here at the age of 16, yearning for peace, as I had never known domestic violence until those four years with my parents.
No one informed me that I had the opportunity to continue my education in the US due to my age. Instead, I was told I would be taking care of my nieces and nephews.
Time passed, and loneliness made me feel sad and alone. However, along the way, I found my husband, and I am now blessed to have him. We got married and formed a beautiful family with seven children—six daughters and a son. The oldest is 25 years old. She is a speech therapist for children in Sacramento, and the youngest one is a joyful 4-year-old girl. I have been happily married for 27 years, and it is going strong!
Financial Independence has always been my guiding principle; I was inspired by my grandmother, who sold Oaxacan bread despite facing many challenges. My mother’s similar journey motivated me to be an independent woman and not depend on anyone. And my grandpa allowed me to count his money after he got paid.
In my last job, I worked with my husband despite initial reservations about working with him. My husband insisted, and when his boss personally called me three times, I decided to join.
In my next to last job, I gained valuable customer service education and experience while working for a Japanese restaurant, I was able to impress my bosses and coworkers positively. The restaurant was sold, and the new owner didn’t believe my husband and I were married due to the professional interaction we always portrayed.
Yet, challenges arose due to selfishness—mistreatment from my new manager and reduced hours, which pushed me out.
Nonetheless, I always enjoyed attending classes and reading, envisioning and dreaming of the day I would own my own business or engage in a network marketing opportunity that could generate $2,000 a week. Eventually, that vision came true when my husband and I quit the last job to pursue our own opportunity.
I socialized and asked around for a business opportunity. Although it didn’t happen immediately, I believe everything happens for a reason. God’s timing is perfect. I met the owner of the building, Ms. Empera Rye, where my business is located. At that time, I couldn’t drive, and I was too anxious to know if she was going to give me the opportunity, but after a few months, she called and gave me the opportunity to own our business at the Lady Liberty Building.
I can proudly say that my family and I have created our own business with love, dedication, and passion. New York City Deli is located in downtown Los Angeles, offering a delicious variety of salads, sandwiches, and breakfast with the finest ingredients for you to savor in every bite.
I am always looking for ways to improve or grow my business. I found out about LIFT through KYCC. They invited LIFT to do a presentation about the business academy. I want to express my gratitude to LIFT for accepting me into the Community Business Academy. I learned a lot about breaking down what a business is like and the possibility of expanding into other counties, which will provide jobs for more families.
My business journey has taught me, my husband, and my children that if you feel it, see it, dream it, you can achieve it. We, together, want to continue to grow our little family business.
Remember, nothing and no one can stop you. If you dream it, you have the possibility to make it happen. Neither the sky nor any limit can stop you. Let’s go because it is possible.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly, initially, we encountered challenges, yet with passionate dedication and profound love for what we do, we not only overcame those hurdles but also moved forward steadfastly towards success.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With a profound love for customer service and human connection, my commitment at Deli is to transform every moment into an experience of happiness infused with love and dedication. My ongoing pursuit of learning is evident through active participation in personal and business growth workshops.
My greatest source of pride lies in my family: my children and my husband. I know that I am inspiring my children to achieve all their life goals. The establishment of the Deli not only signifies a business accomplishment but also the ability to make every person who visits us experience joy during their lunch.
What sets us apart is the authenticity of the passion, love, and dedication we infuse into every aspect of the Deli and our family environment. This philosophy extends beyond business; it is a way of life. Additionally, we express our gratitude to the owner of the Lady Liberty Building for giving us the opportunity to be part of the Lady Liberty family 🗽 and for being a fundamental part of this beautiful creation called New York City Deli.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I envision the opening of one or two more establishments, providing people with the opportunity to indulge in the delightful creations crafted by our Deli with genuine love, passionate commitment, and dedication. This step not only signifies business growth but also the expansion of joy and quality that we share with our beloved community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: New York City Deli
Image Credits
New York City Deli
